When it rains, it pours

There must be a better way. As I perused my calendar of events this past week, I became a little overwhelmed. I know the weather is improving and that everyone wants to get out and do something, rather than sitting by the fire waiting for the (seemingly) endless winter to draw to a close, but does it all have to happen at once?

There were nine events listed for this past weekend alone and I wanted to attend them all, which clearly is not possible. I have put more than 800 miles on the truck in the last three weeks, working my way through five counties. Hundreds of emails have flooded my inbox with invites, press releases and requests for my presence at one thing or another. Believe me, I’m not complaining and I’m always grateful that the community at large is still interested in my humble opinion, but seriously, folks, can’t we spread it out a little?

I managed to get to Hawley, PA to get a preview of Wayne County native Tara Gadomski’s new project, “The Quest,” which is a long-form improvised theater show for families, sponsored in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Wayne County Community Foundation. “The Quest” will be performed (for free) at after-school programs throughout the region and at The Ritz Playhouse on April 30 and May 1. Every show is followed by a short workshop for kids’ families to participate.

Gadomski’s mission is admirable. “When young people take part in improv, it can help build teamwork, listening skills and even self-esteem. We wanted to not only perform, but also to help kids develop through these workshops.” Call 646/327-0579 or mail to tara@taragadomski.com.

I ran to the Hanson Gallery (thehansongallery.com) in Honesdale, PA to check out the new exhibit, “Made in Brooklyn,” which features “13 diverse multimedia artists, each displaying an essential common trait: the pursuit of excellence in their craft.” I love this gallery and don’t get out there as much as I’d like, but the show runs through May 30, so there’s time for you all to go at a leisurely pace.

For those who feel slighted at my lack of attendance, I apologize. It’s not personal and I want to do it all. As the season kicks in, my only wish is that the arts community had a way to get together and figure out a way to stagger the calendar of events, so that we could experience them all, rather than having to make choices. I know that seems impossible, but I’d love to give it a shot. Call me.

Jonathan Fox currently lives in Sullivan County. Having written for film and television, he now concentrates his efforts on novels, plays and assorted periodicals, along with his weekly "Humble Opinion" on life in the Catskills.